Verbal commitments keep rolling in for Bearcat football

By Phil Cobb | January 20, 2017 |

Keilon Hunter

Jacob Ruzicka (TE, MLB) Wahoo (Neb.) High School

Ruzicka is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound middle linebacker and tight end out of Wahoo, Nebraska.

He gave his verbal commitment to the Bearcats on Jan. 16.

Ruzicka was named as an honorable mention to the Omaha World Herald All-State team.

He finished with 33 receptions for 636 yards and eight touchdowns on offense while tallying 51 total tackles.

Ruzicka finished with eight tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble, which recovered.

He also blocked a kick.

Keilon Hunter (CB) Blue Valley North High School

Keilon Hunter is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound cornerback from Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas.

Hunter gave his verbal commitment to the Bearcats on Jan. 16 through his Twitter account.

His statement read:

“First, Thank you to the man above because nothing would be possible without him. More thanks to my family, coach Sims, the entire coaching staff at BVN, my teammates, and the faculty for always supporting and believing in me and your continuous support. After much consideration, I am excited and blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and football career at Northwest Missouri State University.”

This past season, Hunter tallied a team-high six interceptions for the Mustangs, while also making 23 total tackles. He had one tackle for loss.

Hunter returned 10 punts for 119 yards.

Kadon Hulett (DE, T) Creston (Iowa) High School

Kadon Hulett is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end and tackle out of Creston High School in Iowa.

He gave his verbal commitment back on Dec. 22, 2016 through his Twitter account.

His statement read:

“I am more than happy to announce that I have committed to play football at Northwest Missouri State University. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this day. Growing up in Creston has taught me to hold family closest to my heart. I am excited to join the family atmosphere at Northwest and compete for a national championship. I’ve been a Panther for more than 18 years now and I couldn’t be happier to transition into becoming a Bearcat. Again, thank you to everyone: coaches, family, and friends for helping me mold into who I am today. I am grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to Maryville.”

Hulett finished with 38.5 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss this past season. He also had two sacks as Creston finished with an 8-2 season.

Chase Shiltz (RB) Creston (Iowa) High School

Shiltz is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back from Creston High School in Iowa and a teammate of fellow Bearcat verbal commit Kadon Hulett. He gave his verbal commitment to Northwest on Thursday through his twitter account.

His statement read:

“First of all, I’d like to thank the Lord above for everything, because without him, none of us would be here. With that, I’d like to announce that I have decided to further my education and football career at Northwest Missouri State University. It’s been a long and stressful process, but I can’t wait to be a Bearcat.”

Shlitz, a two-time Iowa state champion in wrestling, originally committed to wrestle at North Dakota State, but eventually changed his mind and stuck with football.

Shiltz rushed 197 times for 1,537 yards and 26 touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry.

In Creston’s 70-49 win over Harlan, he rushed for over 300 yards and eight touchdowns.

He also caught 12 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown. Schlitz was also effective in the kick return game. He returned five kicks for 217 yards and one touchdown. He finished his career with 5,329 yards.

Creston is also the hometown of former Bearcat Collin Bevins, who started his career at Iowa State before transferring to Northwest.